Ted Jeory

Career Trajectory: From Local Accountability to Global Financial Investigations

Ted Jeory’s career spans over two decades, marked by a transition from local political reporting to pioneering cross-border financial investigations. Beginning as a deputy editor at the East London Advertiser, he gained recognition for his blog Trial by Jeory, which exposed corruption in Tower Hamlets politics[1][7]. His investigative rigor led him to national roles at the Sunday Express and The Independent, where he covered Whitehall affairs and social justice campaigns[1][3]. Since 2017, he has co-directed Finance Uncovered, training journalists globally to trace illicit financial flows[2][10].

Key Articles and Impact

• Frontex: EU border agency to get huge budget hike as boss warns of failings with migrant fingerprint checks

This investigation revealed systemic failures in the EU’s border agency, Frontex, as it prepared for a 54% budget increase despite member states’ reluctance to supply personnel. Jeory analyzed leaked documents and parliamentary testimony to highlight discrepancies between the agency’s public assurances and internal struggles. The piece underscored how geopolitical tensions over migration policy compromised accountability, influencing debates in the European Parliament[4].

• Exposed: the Singapore company supplying oil to the Myanmar military’s war machine

Jeory and colleagues uncovered how a Singapore-based firm, via opaque supply chains, funded Myanmar’s military junta through fuel sales. The report linked corporate records, shipping data, and on-ground testimonies to demonstrate how international sanctions were circumvented. This led to the company suspending trading and renewed scrutiny of Southeast Asia’s energy sector[10].

• The Uganda Graphite Grab: A tiny village demands its fair share from potential mining boom

Focusing on a rural Ugandan community, this article explored the inequities of mineral extraction deals brokered by foreign companies. Jeory highlighted legal loopholes allowing profit repatriation while locals faced displacement. The story amplified advocacy efforts for resource sovereignty and equitable profit-sharing[10].

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Pitch Cross-Border Financial Investigations with a UK Nexus

Jeory prioritizes stories where UK-based entities enable global corruption, such as shell companies or legal firms facilitating illicit flows. For example, his work on Seychelles-registered firms aiding Russian oligarchs[10] demonstrates his interest in jurisdictions that lack transparency. Provide concrete evidence of UK connections, such as bank records or corporate filings, to align with his focus.

2. Highlight Environmental and Social Impacts of Corporate Actions

His reporting on Uganda’s graphite mining[10] and Nigeria’s sugar refinery deaths[10] shows a pattern of linking corporate conduct to community consequences. Pitches should include data on health, displacement, or ecological damage, paired with documentation of corporate negligence.

3. Avoid Celebrity-Driven or Speculative Angles

Jeory’s portfolio lacks tabloid-style exposes or opinion-driven commentary. Instead of celebrity scandals, focus on systemic issues like tax evasion or regulatory capture. For instance, his analysis of post-Brexit financial secrecy[10] relied on policy documents rather than individual anecdotes.

Awards and Achievements

“A popular choice with the judges.” —Ian Hislop, Paul Foot Awards[7]

In 2013, Jeory became the first blogger shortlisted for the Private Eye/Guardian Paul Foot Award for Investigative Journalism, a testament to his groundbreaking local reporting[1][7]. His mental health campaign at the Sunday Express earned Mind’s Making a Difference Award in 2012, showcasing his ability to drive societal change through journalism[1].

Pitching Tips

• Emphasize cross-jurisdictional paper trails – Jeory values documents that trace funds or decisions across borders.
• Prioritize underreported communities – His work often centers on regions overlooked by mainstream media.
• Avoid unsourced allegations – Provide verifiable data or whistleblower testimony.
• Connect to policy outcomes – Highlight how the story could influence legislation or regulatory reforms.
• Respect ethical boundaries – He avoids sensationalism, focusing on systemic analysis over individual vilification.